Page 41 of Return to Me Always

Could he be any sweeter? "I would hope so. But I'd really prefer not to hike all the way there."

Ben busted out laughing, and I thought I heard a noise from Tyler up ahead of us, but I couldn't be sure.

"And what then for you, Miss Kat? When you get back, are you off to uni as well?"

"I am," I said, nodding. "I was accepted to NYU and able to defer a year."

"What? NYU?" Ben's eyebrows practically met his hairline. "That's a bloody good school. Damn, you must be really smart to get in there."

"Aw, thanks. I'm kind of a nerd, and I like to study," I admitted. "But God only knows if I'll still be able to go once, you know, accused murderer is attached to my name."

"Don't worry, lass. If there's anyone who can get you out of this mess, it's that guy right there." He nodded toward Tyler. "And you know what? I'm beginning to think you're just as determined and capable as he is. Maybe more so. I mean, you've been keeping up with him, taking two steps for every one of his. My money's on you, Kat."

That felt so incredible to hear. I wanted to hug Ben right then. "Thank you. That really means a lot to me right now."

Having a friend like Ben was so incredibly nice, especially because I was still so upset with you-know-who.

***

Hours later with the sky darkening, we arrived at a lake that Ben said was Loch Lochy. "Real original name, right?" he joked.

I laughed at his goofy sense of humor. "It's beautiful. At least what I can see of it."

"Don't get too close, though. Nessie's sister Lizzie supposedly lives there."

"What?" I gasped. "You mean the Loch Ness monster has a sister?"

Ben waggled his brows at me. "That's what folks say."

The path was easy, so we continued on for a while after night fell until Tyler finally stopped amongst some trees and started to unload. I wondered how having a third person with us would change our routine.

Watching Ben and Tyler set up camp, it was obvious they had done this many times before. They were both fast and efficient, but so was I now that I'd had some experience.

Ben was in charge of dinner and surprised us with burgers. As we sat down to eat, there was an awkward silence between the three of us with this new dynamic. In the quiet, I struggled to think of something to say, especially because I really didn't want to talk to Tyler right now.

Ben came to the rescue, though, and started a conversation. "So, Kat, do you know what you'll be studying at uni?"

"Not really. I have no clue what I want to do. That's part of the reason I came on this trip—to hopefully get some ideas."

"At least you know one thing youdon'twant to do," Ben said with a sly smile on his face. "I'm guessing you don't want to lead any hiking expeditions through the Highlands."

A loud giggle escaped my mouth. "Pretty sure that's not my thing."

"Well, what are your best subjects then? Or more importantly, which one was your favorite?" he asked.

"Hmm, I'd say it's a tie between English and math."

"Really? You like numbers then?"

"Definitely. What about you two?" I asked, genuinely curious about their majors.

"I studied natural sciences," Ben said. "I could fill your ear about the geological history of Scotland and the International Appalachian Trail."

"Actually, that sounds pretty interesting."

"Please don't get him started," Tyler said dryly. "After he has a pint, that's when he really gets going."

Ben laughed. "She'll find out soon enough."

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